Clippers All-Star shared a memorable story about the late David Stern following Thursday night's victory over the Detroit Pistons, noting that he dreamed of one day shaking his hand on NBA Draft night.
Sadly, Stern passed away earlier this week at the age of 77 due to complications from a brain hemorrhage. He served as commissioner of the NBA for three decades (1984-2014), revolutionizing the league along the way.
In those days, aspiring players from around the globe dreamed of walking across the stage to shake Stern's hand on draft night. Leonard realized this dream in 2011, when he was taken 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers out of San Diego State.
“Just having those visions my high school senior year…walking across that stage, I had that opportunity,” Leonard said, via Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
Kawhi Leonard recalls a favorite memory of his with the late Commissioner Emeritus David Stern – “Just knowing that if I really wanted to get here, I would have to shake his hand to be able to enter the league… I got the opportunity to do that and meet him.”#Clippers pic.twitter.com/Tp0yhKbDXc
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 3, 2020
Leonard joined the Clippers prior to the start of this season, leaving the Toronto Raptors after a season in which he led the team to its first championship in franchise history. He's playing well in his first campaign in L.A., averaging 25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals.
The acquisition on Leonard has paid off in a big way for the Clippers, who are currently holding a 25-11 overall record. Paired with Paul George, who came over from the Thunder this summer, L.A. is being viewed as a top contender.
Leonard and the Clippers will be back in action on Saturday, when they'll serve as hosts to the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip-off inside the Staples Center is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
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